Simple Chai Apple Cider 3 ways
This recipe idea initially began as popsicles. I was thinking about how around this time last year, Aaron and I took a lovely long weekend to NYC. We ate some of the best meals of our lives, hit up a couple of museums, and walked and walked…and walked some more. I know I’m older and wiser now because I didn’t even think about trying to wear heels.
One of my most memorable treats from that weekend was a chai-infused apple popsicle. I thought it was such a genius flavor combination to take the classic cinnamon and apple pairing and elevate it with spicy ginger, black peppercorns, cloves, and cardamom.
This past week, I finally perfected my own version using a local apple cider, and then it got a little chilly outside and I wondered if popsicle season may have passed (I’ll eat ice cream year-round, but I know not everyone is in the same boat). I also thought about how not everyone has popsicle molds, and I didn’t want those folks to miss out—because truly, this flavor combination is insanely good.
So, with all of that in mind, I came up with solutions to any barriers that might keep you from enjoying chai apple cider.
Option 1: Hot Chai Apple Cider
For those crisp Fall days. It’s as easy as brewing tea.
Option 2: Chai Apple Cider Popsicles
For those unexpected 86-and-humid Fall days (like this past weekend in Boston—it was HOT).
Option 3: Chai Apple Cider Slushies (using ice cubes)
For those unexpected 86-and-humid Fall days when you don’t have a popsicle mold.
Bonus Option: Iced Chai Apple Cider
For those unexpected 86-and-humid Fall days when you don’t have a popsicle mold or a blender or you’re just too hot to be bothered. It happens.
See? I have you covered.
If you’re really chai/apple cider obsessed, you can certainly follow my lead and make a double batch of this recipe for chai apple cider in all the things. I think I basically have spiced cider running through my veins at this point. I’m not complaining.
Simple Chai Apple Cider 3 ways
Simple Chai Apple Cider 3 ways
Serves: 4 hot ciders or slushies, or about 10 popsicles
Cook Time: 10 mins
Sweet apple cider meets spicy, warming chai. Two of my most favorite things about Fall, with easy options to enjoy this perfect pairing hot or cold.
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Vegan Servings: 4 hot ciders or slushies, or about 10 popsicles
Cook Time: 10 mins
Sweet apple cider meets spicy, warming chai. Two of my most favorite things about Fall, with easy options to enjoy this perfect pairing hot or cold.
Instructions
- To make the chai apple cider, add the apple cider and spices to a medium saucepan. Cover the pan, bring the cider to a boil over medium-high heat, and then reduce it to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture through a strainer to remove the spices. Transfer the cider to your favorite mugs to enjoy it hot, or allow it to cool and make popsicles or slushies.
- To make the popsicles or slushies, mix the vodka into the room temperature chai apple cider.
- To make popsicles, pour the mixture into your popsicle molds, cover and insert the popsicle sticks. Freeze until completely frozen (about 3 hours).
- To make slushies, pour 3 cups of the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze them (about 1-2 hours depending on your freezer). Reserve the other 1 cup of chai apple cider and put it in the fridge to chill. Once the cider cubes are frozen, add them to your blender with 1/2 to 1 cup of the reserved chai cider. You want to add just enough liquid to get the ice cubes to blend. Blend on high until you achieve a slushie texture.
Notes [2]
Bonus option: Enjoy the cooled chai apple cider with a handful of cider ice cubes for a delicious iced beverage.
For extra easy chai apple cider, simply replace the chai spices with 4 chai tea bags.
Copyright © 2023 Amanda Maguire for Pickles & Honey
